Posted in West Virginia
April 27, 2016
11 Words You’ll Only Understand If You’re From West Virginia
If you were born and raised in West Virginia, you are guaranteed to have several words that you use, maybe daily, that only West Virginians understand. These words have been passed down from our mamaws and papaws over the years. They are words that will most likely always be part of our culture. We say them without hesitation and just expect the person we are talking to understand.
These words may sound strange to some, but they are part of our history, culture and traditions.
If someone is referred to as Book Read that means that they are well educated.
Crick is a stiff or sore neck. "I have a crick in my neck."
Haint is used to refer to a ghost or haunted places.
Kin is used to say that one related to someone. "He is his kin."
In West Virginia if you hear the word poke one is referring to a grocery bag, not jabbing someone with your finger.
A polecat is what many West Virginians call a skunk.
Spell can mean two things in West Virginia. It can mean to stay a while. "I’ll visit for a spell." It can also mean feeling dizzy. "I stood up to quick and took a spell."
When someone says reckon they mean that they guess. "I reckon that you are right."
We’ve all used this one at one point in our lives. Y’all refers to everyone. "Y’all want to go fishing?"
Lots of West Virginians still use minner instead of minnow when talking about small creek fish often used as fishing bait.
Wasper is what many West Virginians call wasps.
Did I miss your favorite West Virginia word? If so, share it with me in the comment section.
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